Are your breasts burning? Why is this happening to you? This is one of the questions that you can ask yourself since this uncomfortable and unpleasant sensation appears in your chest. It is something quite common and can be associated with several causes that some of them will require immediate treatment.
Burning breasts can vary in intensity and duration depending on the cause and severity of each. It can be due to hormonal changes, pregnancy or lactation, mastitis, or other conditions, such as the presence of cysts, shingles on the chest or chest, and costochondritis. Whatever the reason, do not underestimate it and go immediately to your specialist or family doctor.
Fortunately, this symptom usually disappears in most cases. However, in other cases, it may be necessary to use over-the-counter pain relievers and NSAIDs or the application of natural remedies, such as herbal teas or natural oils.
If you want to know more about the causes of burning breasts and the treatments to relieve them, continue reading this article from FastlyHeal.
Table of Contents
Burning breasts from hormonal changes
This is the most common cause of burning breasts. The female cycle goes through certain transformations throughout the month, and the body always seeks to maintain hormonal balance, although, in some stages, symptoms are inevitable. This occurs mainly on days close to ovulation and before menstruation, where the notorious premenstrual syndrome is. This can manifest as stabbing pain in the breasts, headache or headache, tenderness in the abdomen, discomfort in the lower back, and mood changes. Favorably, these symptoms, including burning in the breasts, are considered normal, although, in some women, they present with greater intensity.
At ovulation or near menstruation, a burning sensation in the breasts may also occur at puberty and perimenopause. In the first case, it occurs due to the increase in the size of the breasts and, in the last, perimenopause, due to the hormonal imbalances typical of this stage of women.
Finally, included within the hormonal changes, changes in pills or contraceptive methods should be mentioned as a common cause of pain or burning in the breasts. Any modification in the contraceptive method directly impacts hormonal levels, attenuating or exacerbating each symptom.
Burning breasts during pregnancy
Pregnancy and lactation can cause burning in the breasts related to hormonal changes. It is usually an initial manifestation of pregnancy, even though its existence is unknown. Other typical symptoms include:
- Humor changes.
- Fatigue.
- Dizziness
- Sickness.
- Vomiting
- Intolerance to intense odors.
In the case of breastfeeding, burning in the breasts occurs in addition to hormonal changes due to breastfeeding the baby.
Burning sinuses from nerve inflammation
Some injuries can cause damage or direct inflammation to the nerves in the surrounding area. One of them is the herpes zoster virus that causes the typical viral infection such as “shingles,” which generates rashes and blisters on the skin and causes sensitivity, tingling, or burning that can vary in intensity depending on the recurrence of this virus.
Likewise, any inflammatory process caused by previous traumatic or surgical wounds represents a triggering factor for burning in the breasts. It can be seen, for example, in people who have undergone an augmentation or reduction mammoplasty.
Burning sinuses from costochondritis
The rib cage comprises bones (ribs) that join into a typical bone called the sternum, located in the center of the chest. This union is achieved through cartilage that connects them, and costochondritis occurs when this cartilage that connects a rib and the sternum becomes inflamed.
Costochondritis, coeternal syndrome, or chondrogenic, does not usually have a definite cause but can be influenced by trauma, exercise, arthritis, and joint infections. This condition is characterized by acute pain or burning sensation, above all, on the left side of the sternum, and can be worse when breathing or coughing.
It has been described that costochondritis is more frequent in women than in men and with age greater than 40 years.
Other causes of burning sinuses
Finally, among the other possible causes for which there may be burning in the breasts, we find mastitis, an inflammatory process of the breast tissue caused by the obstruction of the milk ducts of the breasts, through which breast milk passes. An infectious process rarely produces it.
It is relatively normal for mastitis to occur during the first weeks of breastfeeding, with symptoms such as:
- Burning in the breasts.
- Swelling.
- Redness
- Pain.
- Fever.
- Shaking chills.
In an article about mastitis, the Spanish Association of Pediatrics states that at least 10% of women in the first three months of breastfeeding suffer from acute mastitis, especially between the 2nd and 3rd week postpartum. In most cases, it is unilateral, and only 3% to 12% present bilateral involvement [1].
Also, the administration of some drugs manifests burning in the breasts as a side effect.
The presence of cysts or tumors in a breast is not exempt from this, causing burning. In this case, the presence of a kind of lump may also be palpable. You can learn more about it in the articles Breast cysts: symptoms and treatment and Breast cancer: types, symptoms, and treatment.
Pain and burning in the breasts: treatment
The prescription of any medication will be of medical inherence and will depend proportionally on the cause that is necessary to treat. In the first instance, it may be helpful to:
- Apply hot or cold compresses to the breasts.
- Take lukewarm baths.
- Wear a tight bra.
- Cut down on caffeine.
- Maintain a low-fat diet.
- Use over-the-counter pain relievers, such as tylenol or ibuprofen.
- Change contraceptive methods under medical supervision.
On the other hand, to relieve burning in the sinuses, it can also be helpful to use some home remedies such as:
- Vitamin E acts by considerably reducing the symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome, regulating hormonal changes, and decreasing prolactin levels. A single dose of 200 mg will be the standard dose to enjoy the benefits of vitamin E.
- Evening primrose: another effective natural remedy for reducing breast discomfort. It is considered the woman’s plant due to the multiple benefits. Its oil stimulates the formation of prostaglandins, thus reducing inflammatory processes. Rub a few drops of this oil on the breasts to slightly change the temperature and act effectively.
- Apple cider vinegar: among all its benefits, apple cider vinegar can reduce inflammation quickly. Pour some apple cider vinegar on cotton or directly on the breasts and massage for 10 minutes.
Likewise, the administration of infusions such as:
- Rosemary infusion.
- Dong Quai infusion.
- Thyme infusion.
All of them have relaxing, soothing, and anti-inflammatory properties.
In most cases, burning in the breasts is due to hormonal changes typical of women, pregnancy, or lactation. In severe cases, the burning in this area is expected to reasons such as mastitis or cysts. Still, whatever the origin, keep a record from the moment the burning appears and check if it is related to your menstrual cycle. If not, see a doctor immediately as soon as other symptoms appear.
This article is merely informative. At FastlyHeal .com, we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Burning in the breasts: causes and treatments, we recommend that you enter our category of Female reproductive system.
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.